As you know, Thai cuisine is quite popular with its various flavors and tastes. One of the similar Thai cuisines is Thai salad, which I believe you will enjoy. What matters in the salad is the addition of the Thai salad dressing, which brings a whole new experience to every bite. Making a Thai salad dressing requires special skill to balance the ingredients. One of the important ingredients in the salad is lime juice, which infuses the tanginess, of course. So, let us see what the ingredients are and the step-by-step instructions for the Thai salad dressing recipe.
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What is so special about the Thai Salad Dressing Recipe?
The special thing about Thai salad dressing is its balanced flavors. This is a mixture of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that create a perfect balance in the salad. Among these, the predominant component of Thai cuisine is the fish sauce, which brings my favorite umami flavor—salty and robust—to the recipe. The lime juice is added because of its citrus taste, while sugars like brown sugar add sweetness, which results in complex flavors in the salad.
Thai salad dressing Ingredients
Mixed Greens Ingredients
- Cabbage: You can use a combination of green and red cabbage, with savoy cabbage being a great choice for added flavor and texture. In a pinch, you can use bagged coleslaw mix, though it's not recommended for the freshest taste.
- Carrots: It's best to shred fresh carrots yourself, as pre-shredded ones may not be as fresh.
- Bell Peppers: Opt for vibrant yellow bell peppers to add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to your salad.
- Hot Peppers (Optional): If you want to add some heat to your salad, consider using red jalapeños or any other hot pepper of your choice. This ingredient is entirely optional, depending on your spice preference.
- Red Onion: While not traditional in Thai salad, red onion adds a nice onion flavor. You can also substitute scallions if you prefer.
- Pea Pods: Sliced diagonally, pea pods, snap peas, or snow peas can be used for their crisp texture and fresh taste.
- Fresh Mint and Cilantro (Must-Have): Fresh mint and cilantro are essential for authentic Thai flavor. Ensure they are fresh for the best taste. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can use basil as a substitute.
- Roasted Peanuts: Spanish roasted and salted peanuts work wonderfully in this salad, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can use cashews as a substitute.
Thai Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
- Red pepper flakes or fresh chili (optional, for spice)
How to Make Thai Salad Dressing Recipe
The foremost thing to do to make the Thai salad dressing is to prepare the dressing base. For that, in a mixing bowl, add lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and chopped cilantro. Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili according to your taste. Mix them thoroughly until the mixture is well combined. Add lime juice for the extra tanginess and fish sauce for the saltiness. I am sure this step will allow you to prepare the dressing precisely to your liking. Add additional chopped cilantro to add freshness and aroma. Lastly, drizzle the Thai dressing over the Thai salad (mixed greens) evenly, and voila! Your Thai salad dressing recipe is ready to serve and eat.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Ingredients: The use of fresh lime juice and good-quality fish sauce can do wonders. The use of fresh ingredients can add flavor to a dish and make it more tangy and juicy.
- Balance Flavors: This recipe is perfect because of its taste and flavors, which are sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Adjust the quantities per your taste for that balance, which is the key factor in the recipe.
- Choice of Sugar: You have options for the sugar of your choice; it could be palm sugar, brown sugar, or even honey. However, you can adjust the amount as per your liking for sweetness.
- Choice of Fish Sauce: You can use various types of fish sauce from the store. Take care that the saltiness can differ; therefore, adjust the quantity as per your taste.
- Nutrition: This salad is delicious and nutritious, packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals. The combination of greens in the salad and the Thai dressing gives an awesome taste, which can be an idle salad recipe.
Thai Salad Dressing Recipe
PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES || COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES || COURSE: SALAD || CUISINE: AMERICAN
This Thai Salad Dressing Recipe is the perfect salad for everyone in your family. Here’s the basic recipe to make them.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens
- 4 cups finely shredded Savoy cabbage
- 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup sliced pea pods
- 1/2 cup julienned yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup fine slivers of red onion
- 1 hot pepper, thinly sliced (e.g., red jalapeño)
- 2/3 cup snipped cilantro (including upper stems), loosely packed
- 1/4 cup snipped mint leaves
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Garnish
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
- Additional fresh cilantro and mint
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Place the salad ingredients, including finely shredded Savoy cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced pea pods, julienned yellow bell pepper, slivers of red onion, hot pepper slices (e.g., red jalapeño), snipped cilantro, and mint leaves, in a large bowl. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: fish sauce, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, crushed garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors if needed.
- Gently toss the salad with the prepared dressing. Start with a portion of the dressing and add more as needed to achieve your desired flavor. Ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Transfer the dressed Thai salad to a serving platter or bowl, creating a vibrant display.
- Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top of the salad for a satisfying crunch.
- Garnish the salad with additional fresh cilantro and mint leaves for added freshness.
- Serve your Thai salad with lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 106kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 83mg |
| Sodium | 590mg |
| Potassium | 372mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 3688IU |
| Vitamin C | 63mg |
| Calcium | 57mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
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FAQs
What is Thai salad dressing made of?
To make this delightful dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce.
- 1/2 cup neutral oil, such as extra light-tasting olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed from 2 limes.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon honey.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness).
This Thai salad dressing combines savory, nutty, tangy, and sweet elements, creating a symphony of flavors that elevate your salad to an authentic Thai culinary experience.
What are Thai salads called?
In Thai cuisine, Thai salads are categorized into four main preparation methods, which are internationally known as yam, tam, lap, and phla. These methods define the distinct styles and flavors of Thai salads, each offering a unique culinary experience. Additionally, there are a few other Thai dishes that can also be considered salads, expanding the variety of fresh and vibrant options in Thai cuisine.
Are Thai recipes healthy?
Thai recipes are often considered healthy due to fresh ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, and lean proteins. Many Thai dishes incorporate a balance of flavors, including sweet, sour, spicy, and salty, which can make them flavorful and satisfying while using minimal added fats and sugars. However, like any cuisine, the healthiness of Thai recipes can vary depending on the specific dish and cooking methods used. It’s essential to make mindful choices when selecting Thai dishes, as some may contain higher levels of fats, sodium, or sugars. Overall, when prepared with a focus on fresh, whole ingredients, Thai recipes can be a nutritious and delicious choice.
NICE TO MEET YOU!
I’m Sumi and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job.
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